This page has been written to provide information about a basic breathing test (Spirometry).
What is Spirometry?
Spirometry is a basic breathing test which measures the amount of air you can breathe in and then blow out forcefully.
How is the test performed?
The clinician performing the test will measure your height and weight and then ask you to sit upright in a chair next to the device. You will be asked to take a deep breath in and blow into the Spirometer as hard and fast as you can until your lungs are completely empty. This routine will be repeated several times to ensure the results are consistent.
Reversibility Test
Depending on your results you may be given an inhaler (bronchodilator) which will open up your airways to their best possible. The technician will demonstrate how to use the inhaler via a spacer. You will then have the test repeated 20 minutes later to see if there is any improvement. During the 20 minute interval you will be asked to sit and wait in the waiting area.
Will I feel any pain or discomfort?
The test is not painful but can feel a little uncomfortable. Some patients experience light-headedness. You will be encouraged to do your best and will be given time between each blow but you must inform the technician if it is causing you to feel unwell.
How long will the test take?
The initial part of the test takes approximately 20 mins, if reversibility is then required you will have the 20 minutes interval whilst the inhaler takes effect and then another 20 mins of testing.
How should I prepare for spirometry?
If you are already taking regular inhalers or medication for your breathing, please bring them to your appointment but we ask that you do not use them if possible for the time specified below:
| Medication | Withholding times |
|---|---|
| Relievers – SABA (e.g. Salbutamol, Terbutaline) | 4-6 hrs |
| Relievers – SAMA (e.g. Atrovent) | 12 hrs |
| Preventers – LABA (e.g.Salmeterol/Formoterol/Seretide/Symbicort/Fostair) | 24 hrs |
| Preventers – Ultra-LABA (e.g. Onbrez/Relvar/Anoro/Striverdi) | 36 hrs |
| Preventers – LAMA (e.g.Spriva/Incruse/Eklira/Braltus/Tiotropium | 36-48 hrs |
| Long acting oral bronchodilators (e.g. Theophylline tablets) | 24 hrs |
If you feel breathless and need to use any of these inhalers within the times above please inform the technician at the start of your appointment.
Other Instructions:
- Please do take all of your other medications as normal.
- Please do bring any inhalers you have to the appointment.
- Please do not smoke in the 24 hours before the test.
- Please do not drink alcohol on the day of the test.
- Please do not have caffeine e.g tea/coffee in the 4 hours before the test.
- Please avoid eating a large meal 2 hours before the test.
- Please avoid vigorous exercise in the last 30 minutes.
- Please wear non-restrictive, comfortable clothing.
If on the date of your test you have a chest infection please ring the surgery to cancel & re-book the appointment when you have been well for at least 6 weeks. A chest infection and / or oral steroids will affect your test and give invalid results.
What are the benefits of having spirometry?
The results of the test will greatly benefit your clinician when diagnosing problems with your breathing or when monitoring an existing respiratory condition.
What are the risks involved?
The procedure is performed frequently at the surgery and is very low risk. However, because the test requires maximum effort it is important to ensure that it is suitable for you (see possible contraindications below).
You may feel light-headed after each attempt at the test but this should only last a few seconds. Occasionally some patients feel shaky after they have had the inhaler, this is also normal and should only last for a short time.
What can I expect after the test and when can I resume normal activities?
After the test is over, you can go home and resume your normal activities straight away. You should not experience any lasting effects from the test. You should resume taking your inhalers as normal.
What if I have concerns/queries before the test?
Please feel free to phone the surgery and they will arrange for you to speak to the clinician who specialises in Spirometry and they will be able to address any questions you may have.
Possible contraindications to spirometry – Please advise the clinician if any of these apply:
- Coughing up blood
- Current chest pain
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea in the last 48 hrs
- Current/recent chest infection within last 6 weeks
- Active TB
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction) in the last 7 days
- Unstable or uncontrolled angina (GTN to be used prior to test)
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax) in the last 3 weeks
- Pulmonary embolus (blood clot in the lung)
- Chest or abdominal (tummy) surgery in the last 4 weeks
- Previous stroke (test once treated with anti-coagulants)
- Head/Neck/Eye surgery in the last 6 weeks
- Chest, abdominal (tummy) or brain aneurysms
- Vascular surgery in the last 4-6 weeks
- Middle ear infection which has been treated in the last 2 weeks
- Ear perforation in the last 4 weeks
